QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 27)
EO 27 aims to maximize respect for human rights by educating the people on human rights, the serious consequences of violations, and the avenues of redress—particularly in response to the numerous human rights violations attributed to the past regime.
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (MECS) must include the study and understanding of human rights in the curricula at all levels, and initiate regular programs and special projects (including informal education and other means) to provide venues for information and discussion on human rights.
The Civil Service Commission must include in qualifying examinations for government service basic knowledge on human rights.
In formulating and creating courses/subjects and the writing/printing/publication of human-rights textbooks and reading materials, the concerned ministry/agencies must consult and coordinate with the Presidential Committee on Human Rights at all times.
EO 27 emphasizes: (a) all persons are born with human dignity and inherent rights and do not lose these regardless of acts or political conviction; (b) torture, cruel/degrading treatment, unexplained/forced disappearances, and extra-legal executions are crimes punishable under Philippine laws under any circumstances; (c) anyone may question legality of arrest/detention before the appropriate court; and (d) the Bill of Rights provisions (as adopted in toto in the Provisional Constitution or New Constitution when ratified) including jurisprudential ramifications.
EO 27 explicitly declares these acts as crimes punishable by Philippine laws under any and all circumstances.
It states that anyone may, by himself or on behalf of a person arrested or detained, question the legality of the arrest and detention before the appropriate court.
EO 27 requires teaching the Bill of Rights as adopted in toto in the Provisional Constitution under Proclamation No. 3 (March 25, 1986) or in the New Constitution when ratified, including its jurisprudential ramifications.
EO 27 requires that prisoners be treated with humanity; juvenile prisoners, if the jail allows, should be kept in apartments separate from those containing prisoners more than 18 years old; different sexes should be kept apart; and parents/friends who desire to exert moral influence must be permitted at reasonable times under proper regulations.
Convicted prisoners may be assigned to work suitable to their age, sex, and physical condition.
EO 27 cites Articles 124 to 131, 235, 245, and 267 to 269 of the Revised Penal Code.
EO 27 mentions Republic Act No. 857, and also Rules 113 and 126 of the 1985 Rules on Criminal Procedure.
EO 27 requires the Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners adopted by the Department (now the Ministry) of Justice on January 7, 1959, and the Ministry of Justice Manual on general rules, policies, and operating principles in the prison service.
If found appropriate and practicable by the MECS, after considering students’ needs and capabilities at different educational levels, subjects dealing with international conventions, agreements, declarations, or covenants on human rights ratified or where the Philippines is a signatory may be included.
The Ministry of Budget and Management, after consultation with MECS, must recommend to the President the necessary changes/modifications in the 1986 budget of MECS to cover expenditures needed for implementation.
Subsequent expenditures for implementation in succeeding years must be incorporated into the annual budget of MECS.
EO 27 takes effect immediately.
It broadens implementation beyond schools by mandating inclusion in both formal and informal education contexts across all educational levels and training programs, thus institutionalizing human-rights knowledge throughout society.